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quit smoking..do it!

House Bill 1213 prohibiting smoking in enclosed public places and worksites was heard and passed Monday on a second reading at the Indiana General Assembly with amendments. It may be coming up for a third reading today. One approved amendment reads “Abstaining from tobacco use is preferred, encouraged, and supported over the use of tobacco” that [...] [...more]

House Bill 1213 prohibiting smoking in enclosed public places and worksites was heard and passed Monday on a second reading at the Indiana General Assembly with amendments. It may be coming up for a third reading today.

One approved amendment reads “Abstaining from tobacco use is preferred, encouraged, and supported over the use of tobacco” that “The dignity and value of an individual are not diminished if the individual chooses to use tobacco.” What about the dignity and value of the NON smokers who are exposed to a noxious environment every day on the job?

Please understand this very important fact: this is a health issue. Secondhand smoke is the third leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States. More than 53,000 Americans die every year due to exposure to secondhand smoke. These are folks who choose not to use tobacco, yet they die because they have been exposed to it by someone else.

There is a law that requires food service workers to wash their hands after using the restroom. I know I’m glad this law exists and I suppose other people feel this way, too. This is no different. This legislation will protect the general public in the same way. It’s time everyone is protected from disease and death from secondhand smoke exposure.

Bottom line: the air belongs to everyone. No one should have to choose between their job and their paycheck.

Quitting the tobacco habit is hard to do. In fact, it’s easier to quit heroin than tobacco. Maybe you’ve tried several times before. But have you tried the Indiana Tobacco Quitline – 1-800-QUIT-NOW? It is a highly effective, evidence-based tobacco cessation program available by phone to Indiana residents. When you call the Quitline, you [...] [...more]

Quitting the tobacco habit is hard to do. In fact, it’s easier to quit heroin than tobacco. Maybe you’ve tried several times before. But have you tried the Indiana Tobacco Quitline – 1-800-QUIT-NOW? It is a highly effective, evidence-based tobacco cessation program available by phone to Indiana residents.

When you call the Quitline, you will speak with a professionally trained Quit Coach. The Quit Coach will show you how to quit. Their advice covers topics such as planning, coping with cravings, keeping your hands busy, changing patterns that remind you to smoke and avoiding weight gain. There’s a bonus: while funding lasts, you can also get two weeks of nicotine patches at no cost.

The hours are convenient. You can call anytime, 7 days a week: 8:00 am to 12:00 midnight.